Korean-or-American

Maybe things can change. For the past year I have been training to become an EMT. A lot of rescue squads like it if you’re trained as both an EMT and a Firefighter. Its the two for one special in the field. I had never considered going into fire rescue before. Part of this is because I’ve always held the notion that firemen are MEN. Macho men. And this is true for many. I spent some time with well seasoned firemen having been on the job for about 20 years. They spoke of the “new ways” which I don’t think they were too fond of. Affirmative action- not their favorite. The physical agility test- not like it used to be, anyone (women) can do it. They were making it clear who they thought should be allowed into their world. Its the Manly Good Old Boys Club.

In my male dominated EMT class, I stick out as female and small. At first I thought surely they think I have no chance in this profession, at least beyond assisting with the ‘real’ work. After our last class together we all went out for a celebration beer. We were talking about classes to further out education and future careers. One being fire rescue. If you pass this class you’re sure to get a job according to my teacher. I admit, at first I thought, “Oh well. Guess I’m stuck with volunteering.” My teacher went on to describe what is involved while I listened with half an ear. The physical agility test required to pass involves boot camp style exercises. Walking on a stair-stepper with 45lbs attached. Walking 3 miles with more pounds strapped to your body. Dragging a 185lb dummy. I have trouble carrying groceries through the front door. How can I drag a 185lb dummy! It seemed I was the only one with doubt at the table consisting of 3 males. They assured me it was mostly technique and mind over matter. These young 20-something males were very encouraging. Something I had not expected from the good old boy types. But the younger generation has grown up seeing women do things that only men used to do. Their fathers may not like it but they are becoming used to the idea. Even though problems with the gender gap are still far from perfect, maybe progress is being made.

All of this made me reevaluate not only the gender gap but my role within it. I had been the one to limit my options. Even though I’m a part of my classmates’ generation (well… the oldest part:)), I still had the ideals of their parents within me. So now I can say I not only learned how to become an EMT but I also learned that macho may be going out of style. I have never been very stylish but I think its time I start.